Certain communities who have a distinct lack of available housing have been identified by the BC government and ordered to meet specific goals in order to increase their housing supply.
This is the third round of Provincially targeted communities to be identified in relation to the Housing Supply Act.
In total 10 municipalities have been identified and they must deliver a grand total of 17,599 new homes, or else the Province will step in and intervene in their processes for building new housing.
“The best way to solve the housing crisis and build more homes for people is by working together,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing.
“Our government is working closely with municipalities to ensure more homes are built in communities with the greatest needs. By having these targets, all levels of government will be able to align to address the housing crisis and help build more affordable housing for people in these communities for years to come.”
Below are the municipalities that were identified and their housing targets for net-new units which must be completed within five years:
- Colwood – 940
- City of Langley – 1,844
- Mission – 1,798
- New Westminster – 4,432
- North Cowichan – 1,233
- North Saanich – 419
- Port Coquitlam – 2,279
- Prince George – 1,803
- View Royal – 585
- West Kelowna – 2,266
These numbers represent a 58% increase in overall housing to be built when compared to historical trends, according to the Province.
After six months, these municipalities will be evaluated on their progress. Following that, they will have to report to the Province every year.
These communities have been given guidelines for what these new-builds must consist of to ensure there will be a: variety of sizes of homes, a mix of rental and to-own homes, affordable homes and homes with on-site support.
The Province added that municipalities are being encouraged to partner with First Nations communities to deliver more housing projects on local First Nations lands.
